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Loyola at a Glance

Community courses available for local writers

September 13, 2013

The Loyola University New Orleans Writing Institute wants to help new writers blossom and accomplished story-tellers thrive. It is hosting four community writing classes taught in eight-week sessions beginning Sept. 17. A new class in flash fiction writing joins classes on creative nonfiction, poetry and the institute’s signature class on writing well-crafted fiction.

Classes are available to adults 21 and older and are open to all levels—from published writers to new writers. Hosted by Loyola’s Walker Percy Center for Writing and Publishing, the Writing Institute classes are not for Loyola credit and are only open to those not enrolled as full-time students. The cost is $250 per course.

“The Soul of Wit: Flash Fiction Writing,” a new course taught by Tom Andes, will help students write compelling fiction in 2,000 words or less. Although very short stories aren’t new, the genre is gaining popularity thanks to online publishing. The class meets Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. beginning Sept. 18.

“For budding writers, the form offers opportunities for the (relatively) instant gratification of producing a piece that doesn’t require as much time as a traditional short story might; it also provides opportunities to make a connection with an audience by publishing online,” Andes said.

“Writing Well-Crafted Fiction,” will begin Sept. 17 and be held Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. The class aims to improve participants’ fiction writing, whether a short story or a novel. Taught by former U.K. national newspaper journalist Stephen Rea, the class has helped students of all ages with fiction writing.

The nonfiction course, “Writing the Essay as Story: Creative Nonfiction,” is held every Thursday and begins Sept. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. Taught by Peyton Burgess, the current fiction editor for New Orleans Review, the class will focus on research and voice.

Helping students understand the language of poetry, “Your Magic Words: Crafting Poetry” will meet every Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. beginning Sept. 20. The class is taught by Vince Cellucci, author of “An Easy Place / To Die” (City Lit, 2012).

Class descriptions and teacher biographies are available online. To reserve a spot, send a check payable to: Walker Percy Center, Box 157, 6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118. Please indicate which course you are signing up for. For further information, e-mail lwi@loyno.edu or call Stephen Rea at 504-931-9902.

Loyola at a Glance is written and distributed for the faculty, staff, students and friends of Loyola University New Orleans. It is published by the Office of Public Affairs, Greenville Hall, Box 909, 7214 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118. (504) 861-5888.

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